" After the slight specimens that
I have given of his character and style of conversation, it will
be almost unnecessary for me to premise that I tell this story as
I have told the last, and "Sister Rose," in my own language, and
according to my own plan in the disposition of the
incidents--adding nothing, of course, to the facts, but keeping
them within the limits which my disposable space prescribes to
me.
I may perhaps be allowed to add in this place, that I have not
yet seen or heard of my portrait in an engraved state. Professor
Tizzi is still alive; but I look in vain through the publishers'
lists for an announcement of his learned work on the Vital
Principle. Possibly he may be adding a volume or two to the
twelve already completed, by way of increasing the debt which a
deeply obliged posterity is, sooner or later, sure of owing to
him.
THE PROFESSOR'S STORY
OF
THE YELLOW MASK.
PART FIRST.
CHAPTER I.
About a century ago, there lived in the ancient city of Pisa a
famous Italian milliner, who, by way of vindicating to all
customers her familiarity with Paris fashions, adopted a French
title, and called herself the Demoiselle Grifoni. She was a wizen
little woman with a mischievous face, a quick tongue, a nimble
foot, a talent for business, and an uncertain disposition. Rumor
hinted that she was immensely rich, and scandal suggested that
she would do anything for money.
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